Wings

There are days that I wish I had wings and could fly. I would rise above the challenges of earth and escape into the clouds to hide among them. I repeat the words of the Psalmist and echo his longing. For some reason escape seems to be the path to rest.

Looking into the sky above Galveston Island, I watch the pelicans pass from east to west over the houses and beach.  The waves roll endlessly onto the sand and people bake in the hot sun.  The breeze ruffles the towels as the umbrellas wave in unison.

Maybe it isn't escape that was sought.  The obstacles that loom large on land become different in flight. Funny how that vantage point can calm and bring the rest prayed for.

Making Plans

Kamri was accepted to the College of her choice.  Her plans have been set in motion and the next few years are mapped out. I don't think there is anything more exciting than looking forward to new adventures at the threshold into adulthood.

Then it begins.  The excitement wanes a little when the responsibilities loom taller than the Eiffel Tower.  If the exhaustion of having to motivate yourself to class doesn't get you then the call to the financial aid office can.  Roommates, activities, and the multitude of choices test character.

WHO AM I?  WHY AM I HERE?

Those questions will begin to be answered that beginning semester.  But, in each phase of life, they will crop up again to be reworked and redirected. As I face the last semester of my life span, I keep asking the same questions and He keeps encouraging me to find those answers within His will for my life.

"My times are in His Hands", as the Psalmist said.

Teapots Don't Just Happen.

Misty and Angela always tackled birthdays (especially for Kamri) with much faith and imagination.  This particular year the teapot was the object of their endeavor.  If I remember correctly, it was a challenge!

As I review different periods in my life, I remember a lot of teapots I tried to create.  I found that many times I prayed the correct prayer but relied on incorrect information to bring it about.  Hindsight is a wonderful teacher.  I wish I had owned a GPS back in those days to help me see the correct route.

I have decided to change my pattern as our Pastor has been preaching on doing the same things and expecting to get a different outcome. So, I am taking my coffee outside in the morning to retrain myself to not only  recognize God's voice, but to listen to what He has to say.

I want to build a teapot in this coming year that will bring a smile to the faces of those I come in contact with.  But, more so, I want to hear that I am achieving His purpose for this part of the plan for my life.

Jeremiah 29:11

Important conversations...

There are some conversations that are very important in our lives.  At David's 60th birthday party, Kamri was involved in one of these exchanges.  As I get older, I find myself going over dialogue I have had with those who are no longer here.  I think I love this picture because it reminds me of those encounters with those now absent.

I listened to a song by Dallas Holm today.  The lyrics were along the line that He knew me then and He knows me now.  I am glad that I have a God who is consistent, even when I am not.  His knowledge of my life begins with my beginning.  His presence has always been with me.  

Listening to the song, I had an important conversation with God.  I will listen as well as speak.  That is a conversation, right?  There are two involved.  I am excited about the direction these visits will take and the insight I will find into my life and future.

Jeremiah 29:11.  Life isn't over until it is over.

It is just the Beginning!...

I remember the year I graduated from high school and made preparations to enter college!  Those years were some of the most profitable, enjoyable, and memorable years of my entire life.  I made friends of a lifetime.  I spent 9 years at Southern Bible College working and getting a degree.  (I worked and went to school for 5 of those years!)

My prayer for Kamri is that her college years will lead her to the future she wants.  We ask God to give her clarity in her classes and help her find that special talent that will lead to the career choice that is not a job but a pleasure.

Proverbs 3:5-6 was a favorite Scripture of our Dean, Elizabeth Williams.  If I trust, He will guide!

Remembering Hoover

As I get older, I tend to reflect more and more.  Not long ago this goat gained my attention.  He was small, but in charge.  The Watusi Cattle on The Ranch scared everything else away.  Hoover removed the Watusi.  Now, that is power.

However, I learned that some hunter mistook him for a hog and thus, Goodbye Hoover.  He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I was really impressed with the tenacity of this short, but mighty, goat.  He was a beautiful animal physically, and awesome in his personality.

I have no information on what happened to his remains, but I know that if he went to Heaven, he is in charge of something.

Just like I remember...

The Steak and Shake was THE drive in when I was in high school.  On Wed. nights following church, we would go to the SAS and get a coke while watching the cars circle the drive.  The servers would bring our tray and place it on the car door.  The hamburgers, chili, fries and milk shakes were the reason everyone headed to that particular place.

They built one just off I45 close to Webster and League City.  We ate there today.  The taste was the same, but the burgers were about two thirds the size of what I remember.  The fries were the same.  It was eleven o'clock and I was the first to ask for coffee.  So, about 20 minutes later she brought my coffee.

Anyway, it was nice to remember.  As childhood fades more and more, I try to visit those memories and relish the blessings God has brought into my life.  Take a moment and reflect on those good old days of the past.

My grandchildren have shared those memories even though the drive ins were many miles apart.

Is she done yet?

Have you ever held that facial expression longer than you thought necessary?
Did you keep a pleasant expression, hoping things would move along faster?

My daughter is a photographer.  Her children were her models until they were old enough to begin to balk and not get in the photograph if they didn't want to.  I remember birthdays, Christmases and every other holiday.

They may not have enjoyed the moment, but when I am looking at the photo, I am a happy Nana!

Moral of this blog?  Smile whether you want to or not!  It is for your Nana!

Avoidance

Many times I have tried to avoid the thing right over my shoulder.  There are so many reasons not to look the camera (or issue) straight on, but the habit of avoidance is strong and I panic.  Thus, the THING is not resolved.

It would be so much better if I could face it, resolve it, and move on.  Why not?  What is the grip IT has on me?  Is it from childhood?  Fear of  being eaten alive?  Unresolved anger or pain?

I have found that Scripture reading and my relationship with Jesus Christ is the strength I need to heal any THING that prevents me from moving into the abundant life God has promised.  I have found it true for my kids and grandkids, too.  So, I pray everyday that God will give me the courage to turn to my left and look IT in the challenge.

Proverbs 3:5,6

Choose Well....

So MANY to choose from!  There is a different look for every occasion.  The look is not only the clothes, but the attitude.

There is nothing worth living, or dying, for unless it is tried and found true.  There have been many occasions through out my life that I needed confirmation of what I was placing my faith in.  There were times I just had to choose and trust.  Then, there were the times I asked and immediately God gave me just what I asked for.

I needed a pair of shoes that were a small wedge, a little dressy and comfortable.  My days of high heels are few and further between.  I went to this wonderful shoe store - DSW.  In the sale section there was one pair, my size that met all the requirements.  Plus, they were about 40% off.

Now, when I look at my feet I am reminded that God supplies my wants and my needs.  He helps me review the choices and pick the best one!

Which one did Kamri pick?  She picked the bottom right.  But then she took it back!

Psalm 91

It is finished! ( Happy EASTER.)

High School is finished for Miss K!  She is headed into the future of her choice.  There is only one limit to what she can do and that is what she decides isn't the right path.  Her family has prayed for her over the years, that what her talents are will be revealed to her.  She can try many things before she makes that final decision.

This is Easter weekend.  My options for eternity were opened on that morning when they found the tomb empty.  Jesus provided a bridge to His Father for me.  John 3:16 has become a living testimony to my life because of this one act in history.  God gave His Son for me.

My future is unlimited, just like Kamri's.  I may be a few years older than her, but our possibilities are unlimited.  Heaven is open for me and who knows what God has in store for my eternal occupation!

Have you ever kissed a frog thinking it was a prince?

Have you ever kissed a frog thinking it was a prince?

Do Princes come in frog clothing?  Do frogs come in Prince attire?

I was raised on the idea that I would kiss a few frogs before the right prince came along.  I believed in the "and they lived happily ever after."  Fantasy often outweighed reality.  It is easy to see what we want to see and not take into consideration things that should be noted before committing ourselves to a person or an ideal. 

But, what I said I believed more was the Scripture that "ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free."  I didn't always look for the true nature of the situation, but my idea of what that truth was.  Consequently, when reality took hold, it was often the process of recovery instead of the freedom that truth would have delivered.

I guess what I want to say today is to check things out,  It isn't a bad thing to know that frog well or that prince.  It really isn't a bad thing to know that God doesn't want us to live with the warts that we get from frogs.  However, He does have the means for removal, if necessary.

Are you Happy? Content?

It hit me this morning.  I am happy.  My trailer makes me happy.  The beach makes me happy.  My used car makes me happy.

For many years I second guessed everything.  I lived in the "what ifs".  I prayed for God's will and when He set it in front of me, I argued with Him about it.  I always said, "if it is right, it will work out."  I said it, but too often didn't follow my own advice.

I am so glad that God's love is long suffering and continues regardless of where we might be in life.  I am so glad He didn't stop trying to help me see what is good and right.  That makes me happy.

When I was eight years old, I asked Jesus Christ to become the center of my life.  Now, I am looking at His footsteps through the past and how they have led me and guided me over the years. The consistency of His presence has given me a rope to hang onto.   And now, I realize that the peace I often yearned for is a permanent guest in my life.

Things will change.  Life will not always be calm, like today.  But, I know that I can rely on Him being faithful to me.

Proverbs 3:5-6  Check it out!

The Pinkish Brick Road

High School Graduation.

I remember the feelings graduation evoked in my life.  I loved the fact that life was changing and I would be looking forward to new experiences.  I was also a little apprehensive as to where I would go to school and what I wanted to do.  I had an idea, but no specifics!

I wound up going to a small college in Houston, Texas.  It was the time of my life that gave me direction, time to fail and succeed, and the foundation I needed to travel the brick road ahead of me.

My prayer for graduates of today is that they experience the fun and challenges before them.  I pray they find their belief system that is cemented in their minds and hearts that will help them traverse the uncertainties and many changes their journey will take them.  I pray they develop the relationships that they can count on for many years to come.

God has given me a knowledge of who He is and the tools to know where to find Him.  Proverbs 3:5-6!  TRUST in the LORD!

It is Almost Summer!

Summer is almost here.  If you are looking for equipment, toys, summer fun stuff, please go to Big Mouth Salty's and check out the specials.

FUN is an important part of forming the bond with your loved ones.  Plan a camping trip or a cruise or boat outing.  Get tents and backpacks and supplies for a fun stacation.  This website will help you plan accordingly.

Need an idea?

They have them.

What Now?

WHAT NOW?

Graduation from High School opens the door to opportunity.  At eighteen one is faced with a system of education that makes YOU the responsible one.  In college, Mom isn't there to force you out of bed or coerce you into doing the homework.  Even if you don't go to school, the reality of getting a job and maintaining your own bills, etc, looms BIG.

 I moved from Illinois to Houston, Texas.  It was the best decision my parents helped me make.  I was responsible for my future.  I had their help, but ultimately, I was the one that set the course of my future.  I attended Southern Bible College at 10950 Beaumont Hwy, Houston, Texas.  It was truly the most influential period of my life.  My belief system was tried and shuffled during the years I was led by Worden McDonald, Elizabeth Williams, Louis Caldwell, Joe Clark, and so many other teachers who challenged me and encouraged me.  I didn't end up becoming what I set out to be, but found that my faith held me steady through the good and bad choices of my life,

It is strange, but now that I am retired, I feel like I am again at a threshold similar to graduation.  I have to decide my route and, again, I ask God to give me direction and purpose for this phase of my life.

Today I say CONGRATULATIONS to my grand daughter, Kamri, on her accomplishment and her journey into her future!

Back by Popular Demand!

It is nice to be missed!

I was in a group of three and one person asked me about the Peaceful Pelican blog.  I figure that if even ONE person missed it, then I had to post.

This Spring I am challenged to add one new activity a week.  The possibilities are endless!  I can shop, or cook, or visit people, or go to the beach and watch the waves.  I am truly retired at this point.  I put puzzles together, watch television, sleep in, and basically do WHAT I WANT WHEN I WANT!

I always wondered what that would be like.

Now that I am there, I find it is easy to check out.  That isn't necessarily a good thing.  So, I am challenged to read more, study Scripture and become involved in people as they face challenges that I have gone through and am on the other side.  It is easy in this day and age to set back and scan life.  I don't want to skim the surface, but truly connect.  That is the message of Christianity - God connecting to man.

Have a wonderful weekend!  John 3:16

Oh yes, look closely at the picture.  Notice the photobomb!